Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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When Is Labrum Tear Surgery Necessary?

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The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that is stabilized & reinforced by several different tissue structures, including the labrum. Although this fibrous piece of tissue is quite resilient, the labrum can be torn as a result of overuse or acute injury. While labral injuries such as SLAP tears often respond well to conservative treatment, labrum tear surgery is sometimes needed to fully resolve symptoms. In this article, we’ll provide examples of cases in which surgical labrum repair may be necessary.

When Is Labrum Tear Surgery Necessary?

The most appropriate course of treatment for a torn labrum will vary from person to person, depending on the size & nature of the tear along with the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Experiencing one or more of the following may indicate a labral tear:

  • Shoulder pain & aching, ranging from mild to severe
  • A feeling of looseness in the shoulder joint
  • A sensation of popping/catching/clicking when the shoulder is moved

Initially, a conservative treatment approach is likely to be taken for a labral tear. Nonsurgical therapies such as rest, physical therapy and medication are generally prescribed as first-line treatments. In the event that conservative care fails to alleviate a patient’s symptoms, however, surgical labrum repair may be recommended as the next step.

If a small labral tear does not improve with nonsurgical treatment, arthroscopic labrum tear surgery can offer a viable solution for certain patients. During this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a tiny camera (called an arthroscope) into the injured shoulder. This device gives the surgeon a detailed view of the injury, allowing them to remove the labrum’s frayed edges and any loose tissue which may be interfering with normal shoulder movement & function.

Arthroscopic surgery is also the preferred method when surgical repair is needed for a larger, more severe labral tear. In this scenario, arthroscopy provides a minimally invasive way to reattach torn labrum tissue and stabilize the shoulder joint, thus facilitating healing. As compared to open shoulder surgery, arthroscopic labral repair typically offers a significantly shorter recovery time, since it does not involve cutting through the muscles to reach the torn tissue.

Visit Dr. Soffer for Top-Tier Shoulder Care

If you are experiencing lingering shoulder symptoms, it may be time to see an orthopedic surgeon. Offering cutting-edge shoulder care to patients who live, work or play in the Reading, PA area, Dr. Stephen Soffer is an esteemed arthroscopic surgery expert. In fact, Dr. Soffer educates other surgeons on this technique as a Master Instructor in shoulder arthroscopy for the Arthroscopy Association of North America. Additionally, he provides the full range of nonsurgical treatments for shoulder injuries.

Eager to explore your treatment options with a skilled, compassionate shoulder specialist who is dedicated to helping you heal? Call 610-375-4949 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Soffer.

Fractured Finger Symptoms: How Do You Know When You Have a Fracture?

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Among individuals of varying ages and activity levels, finger fractures are one of the most common orthopedic injuries. When one or more bones in the finger joint break or crack, it is considered to be a fracture. While a broken finger is typically the result of acute trauma, weak or brittle bones may also set the stage for a fracture to occur. When experiencing finger discomfort, patients often wonder: How do I know if I’ve fractured my finger? Let’s review fractured finger symptoms and signs which may indicate you should seek medical attention for a finger injury.

Fractured Finger Symptoms: How Do You Know When You Have a Fracture?

Finger fractures often result from a fall, a blow to the hand or an accident such as getting a finger caught in a door. No matter what causes a broken finger, fractured finger symptoms will most likely include some or all of the following:

  • A popping or snapping noise at the time of injury
  • Rapidly developing pain, swelling and/or bruising
  • Pain & tenderness which are amplified when the area is touched
  • Inability to bend the finger
  • A change in finger shape
  • Abnormal numbness, coldness or paleness in part of the finger

If you are experiencing broken finger symptoms, it is advisable to see a sports medicine physician promptly.

How Is a Broken Finger Treated?

In order to facilitate proper healing, your doctor may need to put a splint on your fractured finger – or straighten it if the broken bone is crooked. If your fracture is accompanied by an open wound, additional treatment may be required to manage bleeding and prevent the wound from getting infected. In some cases, surgery may be needed to reposition broken finger bones and resolve symptoms.

Ultimately, the right course of treatment will depend on the severity and location of the fracture. Your provider can diagnose these using advanced imaging technologies such as X-ray or MRI. With professional treatment, finger fractures generally heal within 3-5 weeks, although recovery time may be longer for patients who undergo surgery.

Berks County Trusts Dr. Soffer for World-Class Orthopedic Care

Whether you’re a young athlete or an active senior, you’ll want to seek treatment from a skilled, compassionate sports medicine physician to ensure you receive the very best care & get the best treatment outcome. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Stephen Soffer specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for orthopedic injuries of all kinds, including finger fractures.

Drawing on years of experience and utilizing cutting-edge therapies, Dr. Soffer will help you heal so you can resume your normal lifestyle. To request an appointment, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon 2020

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We are proud to announce that Dr. Soffer has been chosen as a Top Orthopedic Surgeon 2020 by Pennsylvania Magazine! This honor recognizes Dr. Soffer’s expertise and dedication to improving the mobility and quality of life in his patients. Congratulations Dr. Soffer!

How Do I Know If I Tore My ACL? Typical Signs & Symptoms

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how do i know if i tore my acl

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. Responsible for controlling forward movement and rotation of the shin bone (tibia), the ACL is located in the center of the knee. When this crucial ligament is torn or sprained during activity, it can compromise the functionality of the entire knee joint. “How do I know if I tore my ACL?” is a common question among patients experiencing knee discomfort after physical activity. Let’s review symptoms which may indicate an ACL injury.

How Do I Know If I Tore My ACL?

Typically, ACL tears and sprains happen during activities which involve abrupt changes in direction, sudden stops, pivoting and/or jumping and landing. Football, basketball, soccer, downhill skiing and gymnastics are a few common sports which fall under this category.

So, how do I know if I tore my ACL? Here are the signs and symptoms which generally accompany an ACL injury:

  • A popping sensation in the knee, sometimes with a loud popping sound at the time of injury
  • Severe pain & swelling
  • Difficulty walking
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Knee instability (inability to bear weight)

If you are experiencing knee symptoms which interfere with your daily activities, it is important to seek prompt treatment from a sports medicine physician. This medical professional can diagnose your knee issue and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.

Depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors such as your age and activity level, nonsurgical therapies may be sufficient to resolve a torn ACL. However, ACL reconstruction surgery may be beneficial if you are a young, active individual wishing to return to athletic activities after healing, plus reduce your risk of reinjury and other complications.

Visit Dr. Soffer for Expert, Patient-Centered Orthopedic Care

Hopefully, this article has given you a clear answer to “how do I know if I tore my ACL?” If you are concerned that you may have sustained an ACL tear or another type of orthopedic injury, you can depend on Dr. Stephen Soffer to provide skillful, individualized care.

Whether your injury necessitates surgery or it can be effectively managed with first-line treatments, Dr. Soffer will help you heal using cutting-edge therapies. Prioritizing minimally invasive approaches whenever possible, he is committed to helping patients make a full recovery and resume a fulfilling lifestyle. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.

Rotator Cuff Surgery: What to Expect During and After the Procedure

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Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common causes of shoulder discomfort. While many rotator cuff tears respond well to conservative therapies, surgery may be needed to fully resolve symptoms and restore shoulder function in some cases. Patients considering surgical rotator cuff repair should be well informed about what the procedure and its recovery process entail. Read on for a detailed overview of rotator cuff surgery: what to expect if your orthopedic physician determines that you are a good candidate and you elect to have the procedure.

Rotator Cuff Surgery: What to Expect During and After the Procedure

  • The day of surgery – The surgeon will provide preoperative instructions to prepare for rotator cuff surgery. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. It may take up to a few hours, depending on the severity of the tear and the extent of repair work needed. Once the surgery is complete, the operated arm is placed into a sling, and the patient is moved to a postoperative recovery room. Generally, patients are able to return home the same day.
  • The days after surgery – In the days following rotator cuff surgery, it is normal to experience pain and swelling in the shoulder region. Pain relievers, intermittent icing and resting with the arm in an elevated position can help ease any discomfort.
  • The weeks after surgery – To avoid buildup of scar tissue and inflammation, use of the operated arm should be limited for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. Generally speaking, patients are able to remove their sling and begin physical therapy around this time. Performing physical therapy exercises as instructed is crucial to regain shoulder strength & mobility and prevent reinjury.
  • The months after surgery – While every patient’s rehabilitation timeline will be slightly different, most recover within 4-6 months. Ultimately, the severity of the patient’s injury and their body’s natural healing rate will dictate how long it takes to return to normal activities after surgical rotator cuff repair.

For patients deciding whether to undergo rotator cuff surgery, what to expect during and after the procedure is pertinent information. Knowing what to anticipate will help you make an educated choice and set you up for a successful recovery.

Find the Right Shoulder Treatment for You with Dr. Soffer

A rotator cuff injury can greatly impact a patient in their day-to-day life. If you suspect that you may have a torn rotator cuff, it is vital to seek prompt treatment in order to avoid worsening injury. Patients in the Reading, PA area count on Dr. Stephen Soffer for world-class shoulder care with a personalized approach.

Specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair as well as nonsurgical treatment methods, Dr. Soffer will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for your unique case. To request an appointment with him, contact our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you resolve your shoulder issue so that you can get back to doing what you love.

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